Dayton Air Show will be top-flight

DAYTON, Ohio – The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and an exciting roster of first-time performers, along with fan favorites, will be featured at the 2001 Vectren Dayton Air Show July 21-22.

This annual mid-summer aviation spectacular will be marking its 27th consecutive year at Dayton International Airport.

Top-flight maneuvers.

The Thunderbirds will showcase graceful four-plane maneuvers referred to as “diamond” maneuvers, fast-paced high performance maneuvers performed by two “solo” pilots, and a combination of all six planes together in the well-known “delta” formation.

All U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron pilots fly in a sleek F-16 Fighting Falcon; a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. The F-16 can locate targets in all weather conditions, fly more than 500 miles, and defend itself against enemy aircraft and return to its starting point.

Dayton will be one of only 14 U.S. civilian sites to host the Air Force “Ambassadors in Blue” and it is the only Ohio appearance of the Thunderbirds during their 2001 tour.

Supports U.S. Air Force.

The mission of the Thunderbirds is to support U.S. Air Force recruiting and retention programs, to reinforce public confidence in the Air Force, and demonstrate the professional competence of Air Force personnel.

In addition, this year’s show will feature six first time Dayton appearances including an F-86 Sabre/MiG-15 Dogfight; the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation’s Vietnam Combat Aircraft Re-enactment with pyrotechnics; Jimmy Franklin with the World’s only Jet-Assisted Waco Wingwalking Act; WWII Warbirds with pyrotechnics and a “Wall of Fire”; Rampage Jet Truck and the AeroShell Aerobatic Team.

Other events.

Dayton will also host aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff in her Goodrich Corporation Hardcore Extra 330XS and a special hang gliding performance by Dan Buchanan, a paraplegic whose inspiration and motivation are unsurpassed.

Dayton’s favorite Sean D. Tucker will be returning this year but with a new look; his Challenger II not only has a red paint scheme but a new name – the Oracle Challenger II.

This year, Dayton fans will also be treated to an Unlimited Air Race Demonstration, reminiscent of the Golden Age of Air Racing.

The race will include a North American P-51, a Goodyear F2G-1 Super Corsair, and two Hawker Sea Fury planes.

The show will be rounded out by military participation including the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, U.S. Air Force A-10 “Warthog” demonstration, a two ship U.S. Navy S-3 “Viking” demonstration and U.S. Air Force F-117 “Nighthawk” Fly-by.

Ticket prices.

Advanced reserved pavilion seats are $30 for this event. Advance general admission tickets are $13 for adults and $9 for children/senior citizens; tickets at the gate will be $15 for adults and $11 for children/senior citizens. Children 5 and under are admitted free.